The creator of Baywatch is helping raise money for a children's hospital which saved the life of his friend's daughter.

Gregory J. Bonnan is dedicating an upcoming episode of his new TV show SAF3 to the Sabrina's Wish campaign.

The campaign is raising money to buy vital ventilation equipment for the high dependency unit at the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital in Brighton.

It was set up by Brighton-born Martin Blencowe after his four month old daughter Sabrina was admitted to the hospital earlier this month.

The youngster had contracting a serious case of viral bronchiolitis which left her fighting for her life.

Sabrina was admitted to HDU, sedated and fitted with an IV, feeding tube and a ventilator and soon made a full recovery.

Mr Blencowe and his wife Lucinda decided to say thank you to the hospital by fundraising for lifesaving equipment.

The campaign, being supported by Rockinghorse, the hospital's official fundraising charity, has already raised more than £5,500.

This is enough to buy the first ventilator.

Mr Blencowe said: “With so much dependence on NHS funding, it can be difficult for staff to get hold of life-saving equipment they know could benefit their young patients.

“Every year, 46,000 children are admitted to the Alex. If each family donated just £1, imagine the difference that could make.

“Raising £5,500 for the first critical care ventilator is just the first small step in a campaign that we hope will have a big impact.”

The family spend most of their time in Los Angeles where Mr Blencowe works as a film producer.

The campaign has generated a lot of support in the US, including Mr Blencowe's friend and associate, Mr Bonnan.

The credits at the end of the dedicated episode will read: “To the doctors and nurses at the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital in Brighton, Great Britain, who saved the life of Sabrina Blencowe.”

Rockinghorse chief executive Ryan Heal said: “We are overwhelmed with the support received from Martin and Lucinda Blencowe and the Sabrina's Wish campaign.

“We hope awareness of the campaign will enable us to purchase further machines which are desperately in need of upgrading. Thank you to everyone who has donated, every penny really does make a difference.”

To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/Sabrinaswish.